Jennifer S HaneUNIVERSAL FUND MEMBER

Jennifer's Story

Jennifer joined Watsi on November 2nd, 2016. Four years ago, Jennifer joined our Universal Fund, supporting life-changing treatments for a new Watsi patient every month. Jennifer's most recent donation supported Anamiel, a 14-month-old boy from Ethiopia, to fund corrective surgery for a birth condition.

Impact

Jennifer has funded healthcare for 66 patients in 13 countries.

Patients funded by Jennifer

Beatrice is 45 years old and a mother of two from Malawi. She is a widow and sells second-hand clothing to support her family. Through determination and hard work, she managed to sustain her household despite many challenges. However, a long battle with uterine fibroids has now left her fighting not only for her livelihood but also for her health and survival. Before her illness, Beatrice enjoyed an active and productive life. She took pride in her small business and supported herself through her daily efforts. In 2013, Beatrice started to experience heavy bleeding, severe headaches, and persistent back pain. The symptoms progressively worsened, causing great concern and affecting her quality of life. Seeking medical help, Beatrice visited a hospital, where a scan revealed uterine fibroids. She underwent a myomectomy to remove the fibroids, offering relief from her symptoms. For nearly ten years, she lived comfortably and continued supporting herself through her business. Unfortunately, in 2024, her symptoms returned. She was bleeding heavily, causing her severe anemia. She required a blood transfusion to bring her back to health. Doctors determined that a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) would be the most appropriate treatment to address her condition and prevent potentially fatal complications permanently. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,363 to fund Beatrice's surgery. On August 19th, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner's care center, Partners in Hope Medical Center. Once recovered, Beatrice will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain. Beatrice shared, "Your support will be highly appreciated to save my life."

$840raised
$523to go

Mitchelle is a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She is shy but determined. Mitchelle is in eighth grade and dreams of becoming a teacher one day. Her inspiration comes from her English teacher, whose passion and eagerness in the classroom motivate Mitchelle to pursue the same path and help others learn. We met Mitchelle at CURE Children’s Hospital, where she had come for treatment, accompanied by her parents. Her mother is a peasant farmer who works hard to support the family and ensure her children have the opportunity to go to school. Mitchelle was born healthy and grew up like any other child. However, last year, while visiting her aunt, something unusual was noticed. As Mitchelle bathed, her aunt noticed a pronounced bend in her spine, affecting her posture while standing, walking, and causing pain while bending. Concerned, she immediately informed Mitchelle’s parents and advised them to seek medical help. Her aunt also told them about the CURE mobile clinic in Kabarnet, encouraging them to attend so that Mitchelle could be examined by specialists. Physicians at AIC Cure International Hospital determined that Mitchelle should undergo a procedure called a spinal fusion. This surgery fuses two or more unstable vertebrae together to reinforce the back structure with the goal of reducing pain and easing symptoms. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to fund this procedure. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 19th, and once completed, it will hopefully improve Mitchelle's quality of life. “I am looking forward to getting better so that I can stand upright, return to school comfortably, and continue working hard to become a teacher one day,” Mitchelle shared softly.

$1,500raised
Fully funded

Hannah is a mother of four from Kenya. Her husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, earns a modest income through casual construction work. Their older children, aged 14, 6, and 2, are currently under the care of a relative while he stays at the hospital to support Hannah and their newborn. Hannah is grateful to be alive after narrowly escaping death on the 22nd of November 2025. She was on her way home on a motorbike with her six-year-old son when a lorry lost control and struck them. At the time, Hannah was 33 weeks pregnant. Although both of them survived the crash, they were left badly injured. Well-wishers rushed them to a nearby hospital, where they received first aid. Over the next five days, Hannah and her son remained in severe pain with no improvement. Concerned, they came to our medical partner's care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further evaluation. Scans revealed that Hannah had a fractured right leg requiring surgery. Even more alarming, it was discovered that her water had broken during the accident, something she had not noticed, putting her unborn baby at serious risk. Hannah and her son were immediately admitted for urgent care. On the same day, Hannah underwent an emergency caesarean section to safely deliver her baby, followed by external fixation surgery on her leg. Her son also received external fixation surgery to treat his leg injury. Thankfully, all procedures were successful, and after one week, both mother and child are making commendable progress. Hannah still requires a skin graft on her injured leg. She continues to experience significant pain and swelling, and the procedure is essential for her recovery. Unfortunately, her insurance coverage has been exhausted after paying for her surgeries and her son’s. With three outstanding medical bills, Hannah's and those of her two sons, her husband has been unable to gather the funds needed for the upcoming surgery. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Hannah receive treatment. On December 10th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure to help heal her leg and regain her mobility. Now, Hannah needs help to fund this $1,185 procedure. Hannah shared, “I am still frightened when I recall how close we came to losing our lives. My greatest hope is to walk again and be present for my children."

$1,185raised
Fully funded